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Recent HP global study says sustainability is key for businesses

Towards the end of last month HP conducted its Global Insights Report for 2019, and in particular looked at workforce sustainability (PDF). The global report gathered data from an estimated 200 000 participants, with the findings making for some interesting reading.

In particular 61 percent of respondents noted that sustainability should be mandatory for businesses moving forward. Furthermore 56 percent said that ignoring sustainability has as significant an impact as ignoring diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

“This study reinforces what HP has long emphasised – social responsibility is a must-have for the modern workforce, and only appears to be growing in significance,” expressed Elisabeth Moreno, MD of HP Africa.

“Yet the study highlights a concerning and growing divide between the understood need for sustainable office supplies and the addressing of this – for example with the false belief all ink and toner cartridges are recyclable,” she adds.

Sustainability also extends beyond doing the right thing for the environment, the report uncovered, with the lack of any sort of sustainability plan or initiative resulting in a potential loss of talent or a diminishing workforce.

To that end a total of 58 percent of study participants believe sustainability is key to engaging the workforce of the future. Added to this, 43 percent agreed with the idea that companies that do not focus on sustainability, do not deserve to be in business.

Looking at things from an HP perspective, waste from ink and toner cartridges are viewed as a serious issue, with 58 percent of respondents noting it.

With the findings of the study in mind, HP has explained that the African region is looking to do its part.

“The first large-scale study of its kind ‘Developing Value: The business case for sustainability in emerging markets’ found that here in Africa, companies that are developing environmental products and services – such as organic agriculture and ecotourism – are generating increased revenues,” says HP.

“Governments are driving more sustainable business practices on the continent, too. In Morocco, the National Framework Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production includes incentives for local businesses to engage in sustainable production processes. And in Nigeria, the Minister of State for Environment recently threatened to start sanctioning industries yet to join the country’s Extended Producers Responsibility Programme,” the firm concluded.

As for what HP’s South African division has planned in terms of sustainability, remains to be seen. Regardless it looks to be a key pillar for most businesses in the immediate future.

[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]

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